Family nature experience offered at preschool exchange camp in Chiba

In recent times, preschool exchange has become a topic of discussion among Japanese parents. Preschool exchange refers to a service where, for a certain period, children attend a preschool while staying with their families in a specific region, experiencing the local lifestyle.

Children can engage in activities freely amidst the majestic nature, promoting their overall well-being. Meanwhile, parents, juggling work and childcare, get the opportunity to temporarily change their living environment from a variety of options, providing a refreshing experience. Additionally, the hosting community anticipates the creation of long-term relationships with families and contributions to the local economy.

In this way, preschool exchange has gained attention in recent years as a mutually beneficial arrangement for both users and the hosting communities.

An experience-focused program with accommodation options

On November 2, Kazusa Akebono preschool in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture, started accepting applications for preschool exchange. In this round of recruitment, preschool exchange allows children to attend the preschool for two weeks while staying with their families in Kimitsu City, where they can utilize affiliated accommodation facilities.

Kimitsu City boasts convenient access, approximately a 60-minute drive from Tokyo city center via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Boso Peninsula.

Kazusa Akebono preschool, enveloped by nature, holds certification under the Chiba Prefecture Natural Environment Education Accreditation System. The school features handmade kilns, gachapon (capsule toy vending machines) and occasional “gohan-ya” (meal events), showcasing the ingenuity of childcare providers. Children can enjoy experiences that are often challenging to find in urban preschools, immersed in a green and enjoyable living environment.

The attractions of Kimitsu City, Chiba

Kimitsu City, renowned as a leading strawberry-producing region, has opened applications for preschool exchange. The city is also known for its strawberry farms, offering harvest experiences of various varieties starting around December each year. In addition, spots like Mother Farm and Kamogawa Sea World, where visitors can interact with animals, are scattered across Minamiboso, adding to the appeal as convenient day-trip destinations.

The exchange period starts on December 3. The operating company, Kitchi Hike Co., Ltd., plans to progressively add available reservation slots. The program is open for children aged 3 to 5 years old. Kitchi Hike operates preschool exchange programs nationwide, with destinations already expanded to around 30 regions. Over 1,300 individuals from more than 400 families have participated in the exchange program.

For those interested in preschool exchange but hesitant about long-distance travel involving flights or Shinkansen, Kimitsu City’s accessibility, just about an hour’s drive from the city center, makes it an easily reachable option. If you’re curious, check out the official website for more information.

Originally published on Life Hugger.